HomeTrip Ratings

Trip Ratings

Paddlers should be aware that paddling on the ocean is generally more physically demanding than on sheltered waters. A reasonable fitness level may be required for even moderate distances. Being unfit or out of practice, may reduce your ability to safely take part in a proposed trip.

WAKE trips are all rated for intended conditions, paddling distance and speed. As weather changes a trip may become more or less difficult. The list below describes these ratings.

CONDITIONS / SKILLS

Rating	Description	Associated Skills/Skill Level
1	Paddling in protected water, consistently near shore; easy landings; day trip; limited wind effect (0-5 kt); current insignificant; minimal swell and wind waves (<1ft), no white caps	Able to Swim, Wet Exit (or willing to learn at beginning of trip); except with Trip Initiator's permission
2	Only moderate protection from land; crossings less than 1nm; intermittent access to landing spots, easy to moderate landings; moderate wind effect (generally <10kt); moderate currents possible (<1kt); wind waves and some whitecaps possible, might break over bow (<2ft)	Able to Swim, Wet Exit, Assisted Rescue, Bracing
3	Some exposed water with longer fetches (>10nm); crossings up to 2nm; fewer and more difficult landing spots; possible eddy lines; light surf conditions; predicted moderate to strong currents (2-3 kts) and moderate to strong wind effects (>10kt); spray possible, whitecaps	Able to Swim, Wet Exit, Assisted Rescue, Self Rescue, Good Bracing and Maneuvering Skills, Basic Navigation
4	Little protection from land; exposed and long committed crossings (up to 5 nm); paddling times may be 2+ hours with moderate to high effort; exposed surf beaches or rocky coast; strong and turbulent currents, rip tides, whirlpools and eddy lines; surf conditions; predicted currents may be 3 kts and above; strong wind effects (10-20 kt) over an extended period of time; steep waves and large swells up to 6 ft, spray	Able to Swim, Wet Exit, Confident Assisted and Self Rescue, Self Rescue; Reflexive Bracing and good Maneuvering Skills: Advanced Navigation, Ability to Roll preferred
5	Long crossings of over 5 nm; long stretches of exposed and rocky coast; landing and launching in surf possible; strong and turbulent currents, rip tides, whirlpools and eddy lines; Currents may be faster than the group can paddle against; Winds higher than 20kts, large white caps, big swell (>6 ft) and spray	Able to Swim, Wet Exit, Confident Assisted and Self Rescue, Self Rescue; Reflexive Bracing and excellent Maneuvering Skills: Advanced Navigation, Strong Roll; Self-reliant Paddler

Important! Club trips are planned and led by WAKE Trip Initiators. Whether a trip is carried out as planned or not, will depend on conditions on the day and the composition of the group on the day of the trip. The Trip Initiator has the right to refuse any paddler who does not meet the required standard (must be able to wet exit safely) or does not have the required equipment for the trip (at a minimum: a PFD, sprayskirt, a kayak with bulkheads or comparable flotation, and dress suitable for potential immersion).

You must be candid with the Trip Initiator when discussing your participation in a trip. If you have any doubts about your fitness or ability to paddle at the expected level, you must fully disclose all of your concerns. If asked, you must be ready and willing to demonstrate your skills.